Can you cancel an entry?

You can decide not to come and ask for your entry to be cancelled. A refund, however, depends on the show's conditions. Telling the organiser, getting the entry cancelled and recovering the fees are three separate steps.

This guide applies to shows in France. Check the rules of your event for the deadlines and conditions that apply.

1. Start with the show's rules

Look for sections called “Cancellation”, “Refund” or “Entry regulations”.

In particular, check:

• the deadline for making a request;
• any deductions;
• the supporting documents required;
• the situations in which no refund is provided.

On SCC Expo, the Centrale Canine (the SCC, the French kennel club) expressly refers to the refund arrangements specific to each show. So there is no single answer for every event.

The right habit: read these conditions before paying, then keep the rules with your receipt.

2. Make the request quickly

As soon as you know you won't be taking part, contact the entries service or the secretariat named by the organiser.

MyDogShow tip: to request a refund, write to the contact given by the platform or the organiser, stating that you accept the arrangements set out in the show’s rules.

To make processing easier, include:

• the name and date of the show;
• the entry reference;
• the dog's official name and identification;
• your precise request: cancellation, refund, or both;
• any useful documents, if required.

Keep the reply: a request sent is not confirmation of cancellation or refund.

3. A deduction may apply

An accepted refund can be partial.

MyDogShow tip: read each show’s refund conditions carefully. The rules may provide for a deduction on refund requests, exclude any refund once the catalogues have been printed, or keep the fees if you cannot attend.

Worked example: if a request for €50 is accepted with a 10% deduction, the refund would be €45, assuming that the whole amount counts towards the calculation.

This example illustrates a mechanism; that rate is not a national scale.

4. Does a serious reason guarantee a refund?

Don't assume that a personal impediment or a vet's certificate automatically leads to a refund.

Describe your situation and check the event's provisions. If supporting documents are required, send them within the deadline given.

What matters is knowing the service's answer: request accepted or refused, any amount, and how it will be paid.

5. If you can't make it, can someone else show the dog?

Another solution may exist when only the owner is unable to attend.

MyDogShow tip: if you cannot be there, ask the organiser whether someone else can show your dog in your place, with the entry kept in your name.

Choose someone your dog is comfortable with and give them the documents and the event's instructions.

6. And what if the show itself is cancelled?

That is a different situation from your own withdrawal.

For the international shows concerned, the FCI regulations recommend a partial refund in the event of cancellation for force majeure, based on the organiser's rules. This provision does not promise an automatic full refund.

Check the official announcement for the procedure and the conditions applied.

Beginner — three tips

1. Notify as soon as you've made your decision. You'll avoid missing a useful deadline.
2. Distinguish cancellation from refund. Ask explicitly for what you want.
3. Keep a written record. File your request and the service's reply.

Intermediate — three tips

1. Check the refund deadline itself. It may differ from the closing date for entries.
2. Read the deductions before working out the sum you expect. Some costs may remain at your expense.
3. Consider another handler if it suits the dog. Your absence doesn't necessarily prevent it from taking part.

Advanced — three tips

1. Detail each entry concerned. If you have several dogs or days, state which ones you want to cancel.
2. Check the paid extras as well. Ask how the catalogue, parking or other add-ons are handled.
3. Track the cost of the trip separately. Hotel and transport have their own cancellation terms.

Sources

• SCC Expo: the Société Centrale Canine’s show entry platform, in French
• FCI: Regulations for FCI Dog Shows (PDF)